Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Viruses".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 December 2023) | Viewed by 15016

Special Issue Editors

Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health (FARAH) Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege, 4000 Liege, Belgium
Interests: quantitative epidemiology; quantitative risk analysis; infectiology; prevention and control of diseases; mandatory diseases; emerging diseases; transboundary diseases; zoonotic diseases; one health; global health; biosecurity; livestock; vector-borne diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
Interests: Zoonoses and One Health; reservoir bound virus infections; neurotropic viruses; virus persistence; neuropathology; neuroimmunology; inflammation; veterinary pathology and histopathology; animal models; ex vitro models; in vitro models according to 3R principle; comparison of in vivo und in vitro models

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

During the past decade, zoonotic viral diseases have (re-)emerged in areas where they had been previously eradicated or never been recorded before, and in some other endemic areas, the incidence of animal and/or human cases increased. The objectives of this Special Issue are the following: (i) understanding the drivers and the mechanisms of these diseases’ (re-)emergence or increasing incidence; (ii) understanding the disease mechanism and pathogenesis in reservoir hosts and end hosts; (iii) prioritization of these diseases and/or their vectors based on a multidisciplinary and evidence-based method; (iv) assessment of their spatio-temporal pattern (trends observation or trends analysis); (v) signal capture of these diseases’ (re-)emergence; (vi) improvement of laboratory diagnostic capacities regarding these diseases; (vii) estimation of their costs; and (viii) proposition of proper risk assessment and some mitigation measures or strategies to decrease their impacts/consequences on the host population(s). Review papers including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, as well as original papers on the matter that contribute to the objectives are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Claude Saegerman
Prof. Dr. Christiane E. Herden
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • zoonotic viral diseases
  • drivers of emergence
  • disease mechanism and pathogenesis in reservoirhost and end host
  • prevention mitigation measures
  • treatment

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

13 pages, 1145 KiB  
Article
Japanese Encephalitis: Risk of Emergence in the United States and the Resulting Impact
by Thomas P. Monath
Viruses 2024, 16(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16010054 - 28 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 817
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus is a mosquito-borne member of the Flaviviridae family. JEV is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia and is characterized by encephalitis, high lethality, and neurological sequelae in survivors. The virus also causes severe disease in swine, which are [...] Read more.
Japanese encephalitis virus is a mosquito-borne member of the Flaviviridae family. JEV is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia and is characterized by encephalitis, high lethality, and neurological sequelae in survivors. The virus also causes severe disease in swine, which are an amplifying host in the transmission cycle, and in horses. US agricultural authorities have recently recognized the threat to the swine industry and initiated preparedness activities. Other mosquito-borne viruses exotic to the Western Hemisphere have been introduced and established in recent years, including West Nile, Zika, and chikungunya viruses, and JEV has recently invaded continental Australia for the first time. These events amply illustrate the potential threat of JEV to US health security. Susceptible indigenous mosquito vectors, birds, feral and domestic pigs, and possibly bats, constitute the receptive ecological ingredients for the spread of JEV in the US. Fortunately, unlike the other virus invaders mentioned above, an inactivated whole virus JE vaccine (IXIARO®) has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for human use in advance of a public health emergency, but there is no veterinary vaccine. This paper describes the risks and potential consequences of the introduction of JEV into the US, the need to integrate planning for such an event in public health policy, and the requirement for additional countermeasures, including antiviral drugs and an improved single dose vaccine that elicits durable immunity in both humans and livestock. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure)
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18 pages, 2287 KiB  
Article
The Antiviral Potential of AdipoRon, an Adiponectin Receptor Agonist, Reveals the Ability of Zika Virus to Deregulate Adiponectin Receptor Expression
by Daed El Safadi, Grégorie Lebeau, Jonathan Turpin, Christian Lefebvre d’Hellencourt, Nicolas Diotel, Wildriss Viranaicken and Pascale Krejbich-Trotot
Viruses 2024, 16(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16010024 - 22 Dec 2023
Viewed by 803
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a pathogenic member of the flavivirus family, with several unique characteristics. Unlike any other arbovirus, ZIKV can be transmitted sexually and maternally, and thus produce congenital syndromes (CZS) due to its neurotropism. This challenges the search for safe active [...] Read more.
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a pathogenic member of the flavivirus family, with several unique characteristics. Unlike any other arbovirus, ZIKV can be transmitted sexually and maternally, and thus produce congenital syndromes (CZS) due to its neurotropism. This challenges the search for safe active molecules that can protect pregnant women and their fetuses. In this context, and in the absence of any existing treatment, it seemed worthwhile to test whether the known cytoprotective properties of adiponectin and its pharmacological analog, AdipoRon, could influence the outcome of ZIKV infection. We showed that both AdipoRon and adiponectin could significantly reduce the in vitro infection of A549 epithelial cells, a well-known cell model for flavivirus infection studies. This effect was particularly observed when a pre-treatment was carried out. Conversely, ZIKV revealed an ability to downregulate adiponectin receptor expression and thereby limit adiponectin signaling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure)
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13 pages, 2662 KiB  
Article
Sequencing and Partial Molecular Characterization of BAB-TMP, the Babeș Strain of the Fixed Rabies Virus Adapted for Multiplication in Cell Lines
by Paulina Podgoreanu, Alexandru Petre, Radu Iulian Tănasă, Sorin Dinu, Mihaela Oprea, Ilinca-Mihaela Marandiuc and Ene Vlase
Viruses 2023, 15(9), 1851; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15091851 - 31 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1076
Abstract
The rabies virus is a major zoonosis that causes severe nervous disease in humans, leading to paralysis and death. The world’s second anti-rabies center was established in 1888 by Victor Babeș, in Bucharest, where an eponymous strain of rabies was isolated and used [...] Read more.
The rabies virus is a major zoonosis that causes severe nervous disease in humans, leading to paralysis and death. The world’s second anti-rabies center was established in 1888 by Victor Babeș, in Bucharest, where an eponymous strain of rabies was isolated and used to develop a method for immunization. The Babeș strain of the rabies virus was used for over 100 years in Romania to produce a rabies vaccine for human use, based on animal nerve tissue, thus having a proven history of prophylactic use. The present study aimed to sequence the whole genome of the Babeș strain and to explore its genetic relationships with other vaccine strains as well as to characterize its relevant molecular traits. After being adapted for multiplication in cell lines and designated BAB-TMP, 99% of the viral genome was sequenced. The overall organization of the genome is similar to that of other rabies vaccine strains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the BAB-TMP strain is closely related to the Russian RV-97 vaccine strain, and both seem to have a common ancestor. The nucleoprotein gene of the investigated genome was the most conserved, and the glycoprotein showed several unique amino acid substitutions within the major antigenic sites and linear epitopes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure)
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21 pages, 3880 KiB  
Article
Emerging Genomic Trends on Rabies Virus in Davao Region, Philippines, 2018–2021
by Jessel Babe G. Capin, Angela Jahn C. Sanque, Maria Noreen J. Eng, Arlene Lagare, Maria Corazon B. Sepulveda and Lyre Anni E. Murao
Viruses 2023, 15(8), 1658; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15081658 - 30 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1928
Abstract
Rabies, caused by the rabies virus (RABV), remains a significant public health issue in the Philippines despite efforts to control it. To eliminate rabies by 2030, effective surveillance strategies are crucial. In this study, we examined RABV evolution and phylodynamics in the Davao [...] Read more.
Rabies, caused by the rabies virus (RABV), remains a significant public health issue in the Philippines despite efforts to control it. To eliminate rabies by 2030, effective surveillance strategies are crucial. In this study, we examined RABV evolution and phylodynamics in the Davao Region using genome sequences from Davao City and nearby provinces. We adapted the RABV ARTIC Protocol for Oxford Nanopore High-Throughput Sequencing to optimize workflow efficiency under limited resources. Comparing new virus samples collected from June 2019 to June 2021 (n = 38) with baseline samples from June 2018 to May 2019 (n = 49), new sub-clades were observed in the phylogenetic tree, suggesting divergence from older variants that were previously undetected. Most of the new viruses belonged to the Asian SEA4_A1.1.1 lineage, but new (SEA4_B1 and SEA4_B1.1) and emerging (SEA4_B1.1_E1) lineages that have never been reported in the Philippines were also identified. The baseline study reported phylogeographic clustering of RABV isolates from the same areas. However, this pattern was disrupted in the current biosurveillance, with variants detected in areas outside the original cluster. Furthermore, our findings revealed significant transmission routes between Davao City and neighboring provinces, contrasting with the predominantly intra-city transmission observed in the baseline study. These results underscore the need for ongoing and timely genomic surveillance to monitor genetic diversity changes and the emergence of novel strains, as well as to track alterations in transmission pathways. Implementing cost-effective next-generation sequencing workflows will facilitate the integration of genomic surveillance into rabies control programs, particularly in resource-limited settings. Collaborations between different sectors can empower local laboratories and experts in genomic technologies and analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure)
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35 pages, 1395 KiB  
Article
First Expert Elicitation of Knowledge on Possible Drivers of Observed Increasing Human Cases of Tick-Borne Encephalitis in Europe
by Claude Saegerman, Marie-France Humblet, Marc Leandri, Gaëlle Gonzalez, Paul Heyman, Hein Sprong, Monique L’Hostis, Sara Moutailler, Sarah I. Bonnet, Nadia Haddad, Nathalie Boulanger, Stephen L. Leib, Thierry Hoch, Etienne Thiry, Laure Bournez, Jana Kerlik, Aurélie Velay, Solveig Jore, Elsa Jourdain, Emmanuelle Gilot-Fromont, Katharina Brugger, Julia Geller, Marie Studahl, Nataša Knap, Tatjana Avšič-Županc, Daniel Růžek, Tizza P. Zomer, René Bødker, Thomas F. H. Berger, Sandra Martin-Latil, Nick De Regge, Alice Raffetin, Sandrine A. Lacour, Matthias Klein, Tinne Lernout, Elsa Quillery, Zdeněk Hubálek, Francisco Ruiz-Fons, Agustín Estrada-Peña, Philippe Fravalo, Pauline Kooh, Florence Etore, Céline M. Gossner and Bethan Purseadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Viruses 2023, 15(3), 791; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15030791 - 20 Mar 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3685
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease endemic in Eurasia. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans via ticks and occasionally via the consumption of unpasteurized milk products. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported an increase in TBE incidence over [...] Read more.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease endemic in Eurasia. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans via ticks and occasionally via the consumption of unpasteurized milk products. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported an increase in TBE incidence over the past years in Europe as well as the emergence of the disease in new areas. To better understand this phenomenon, we investigated the drivers of TBE emergence and increase in incidence in humans through an expert knowledge elicitation. We listed 59 possible drivers grouped in eight domains and elicited forty European experts to: (i) allocate a score per driver, (ii) weight this score within each domain, and (iii) weight the different domains and attribute an uncertainty level per domain. An overall weighted score per driver was calculated, and drivers with comparable scores were grouped into three terminal nodes using a regression tree analysis. The drivers with the highest scores were: (i) changes in human behavior/activities; (ii) changes in eating habits or consumer demand; (iii) changes in the landscape; (iv) influence of humidity on the survival and transmission of the pathogen; (v) difficulty to control reservoir(s) and/or vector(s); (vi) influence of temperature on virus survival and transmission; (vii) number of wildlife compartments/groups acting as reservoirs or amplifying hosts; (viii) increase of autochthonous wild mammals; and (ix) number of tick species vectors and their distribution. Our results support researchers in prioritizing studies targeting the most relevant drivers of emergence and increasing TBE incidence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure)
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Review

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22 pages, 1872 KiB  
Review
Nipah Virus: A Multidimensional Update
by Javier Faus-Cotino, Gabriel Reina and Javier Pueyo
Viruses 2024, 16(2), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16020179 - 25 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1056
Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging zoonotic paramyxovirus to which is attributed numerous high mortality outbreaks in South and South-East Asia; Bangladesh’s Nipah belt accounts for the vast majority of human outbreaks, reporting regular viral emergency events. The natural reservoir of NiV is [...] Read more.
Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging zoonotic paramyxovirus to which is attributed numerous high mortality outbreaks in South and South-East Asia; Bangladesh’s Nipah belt accounts for the vast majority of human outbreaks, reporting regular viral emergency events. The natural reservoir of NiV is the Pteropus bat species, which covers a wide geographical distribution extending over Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Occasionally, human outbreaks have required the presence of an intermediate amplification mammal host between bat and humans. However, in Bangladesh, the viral transmission occurs directly from bat to human mainly by ingestion of contaminated fresh date palm sap. Human infection manifests as a rapidly progressive encephalitis accounting for extremely high mortality rates. Despite that, no therapeutic agents or vaccines have been approved for human use. An updated review of the main NiV infection determinants and current potential therapeutic and preventive strategies is exposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure)
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Other

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16 pages, 1061 KiB  
Opinion
The (Re-)Emergence and Spread of Viral Zoonotic Disease: A Perfect Storm of Human Ingenuity and Stupidity
by Veronna Marie and Michelle L. Gordon
Viruses 2023, 15(8), 1638; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15081638 - 27 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1665
Abstract
Diseases that are transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans are referred to as zoonotic diseases. Although microbial agents such as bacteria and parasites are linked to zoonotic events, viruses account for a high percentage of zoonotic diseases that have emerged. Worryingly, the 21st [...] Read more.
Diseases that are transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans are referred to as zoonotic diseases. Although microbial agents such as bacteria and parasites are linked to zoonotic events, viruses account for a high percentage of zoonotic diseases that have emerged. Worryingly, the 21st century has seen a drastic increase in the emergence and re-emergence of viral zoonotic disease. Even though humans and animals have coexisted for millennia, anthropogenic factors have severely increased interactions between the two populations, thereby increasing the risk of disease spill-over. While drivers such as climate shifts, land exploitation and wildlife trade can directly affect the (re-)emergence of viral zoonotic disease, globalisation, geopolitics and social perceptions can directly facilitate the spread of these (re-)emerging diseases. This opinion paper discusses the “intelligent” nature of viruses and their exploitation of the anthropogenic factors driving the (re-)emergence and spread of viral zoonotic disease in a modernised and connected world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure)
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40 pages, 4757 KiB  
Systematic Review
Arboviruses in Mammals in the Neotropics: A Systematic Review to Strengthen Epidemiological Monitoring Strategies and Conservation Medicine
by Cinthya García-Romero, Gabriel Alberto Carrillo Bilbao, Juan-Carlos Navarro, Sarah Martin-Solano and Claude Saegerman
Viruses 2023, 15(2), 417; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020417 - 01 Feb 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2877
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are a diverse group of ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses, with the exception of African swine fever virus, that are transmitted by hematophagous arthropods to a vertebrate host. They are the important cause of many diseases due to their ability to [...] Read more.
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are a diverse group of ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses, with the exception of African swine fever virus, that are transmitted by hematophagous arthropods to a vertebrate host. They are the important cause of many diseases due to their ability to spread in different environments and their diversity of vectors. Currently, there is no information on the geographical distribution of the diseases because the routes of transmission and the mammals (wild or domestic) that act as potential hosts are poorly documented or unknown. We conducted a systematic review from 1967 to 2021 to identify the diversity of arboviruses, the areas, and taxonomic groups that have been monitored, the prevalence of positive records, and the associated risk factors. We identified forty-three arboviruses in nine mammalian orders distributed in eleven countries. In Brazil, the order primates harbor the highest number of arbovirus records. The three most recorded arboviruses were Venezuelan equine encephalitis, Saint Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus. Serum is the most used sample to obtain arbovirus records. Deforestation is identified as the main risk factor for arbovirus transmission between different species and environments (an odds ratio of 1.46 with a 95% confidence interval: 1.34–1.59). The results show an increase in the sampling effort over the years in the neotropical region. Despite the importance of arboviruses for public health, little is known about the interaction of arboviruses, their hosts, and vectors, as some countries and mammalian orders have not yet been monitored. Long-term and constant monitoring allows focusing research on the analysis of the interrelationships and characteristics of each component animal, human, and their environment to understand the dynamics of the diseases and guide epidemiological surveillance and vector control programs. The biodiversity of the Neotropics should be considered to support epidemiological monitoring strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zoonotic Viral Diseases: Drivers, Causes, Prevention and Cure)
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